Newbury plays host to some of the biggest races across both the jumps and Flat season. Founded at the turn of the 20th century, the Berkshire venue is located less than half-an-hour away from Lambourn and has attracted some of the biggest stars in the sport over the years. Peak of the National Hunt calendar is the Coral Gold Cup, previously known as the Hennessy, and is regarded as one of the top Gold Cup trials. All-time greats such as Denman and Arkle both managed to complete the double.
Newbury’s stiff fences place an emphasis on jumping, perhaps more so over shorter distances like in the Game Spirit Chase, which has produced numerous Champion Chase winners in recent years. Over the timber, the Betfair Hurdle is perhaps the highlight where 24 hurdlers duke it out over a fast and furious 2m. In the summer months, the Greenham serves up plenty of Guineas clues, whilst the previous year’s Classic contenders will often line up in the valuable Lockinge Stakes.
